Now that Mike Burko is retiring, he'll have more time on his hands to enjoy the beauty of Hogback Ridge and Lake Erie Bluffs, two of his favorite spots that enrich Lake Metroparks landscapes.

Serving as a Metroparks Ranger for 28 years, the last dozen as chief, Burko has visited the scenic properties countless times.

"The spring wildflowers put (Hogback Ridge) over the top," he said, and added "Lake Erie Bluffs is in the wings as being a true gem."

Burko is currently serving as interim chief until a replacement is appointed. The selection process is underway and should be completed within a few weeks, according to Lake Metroparks Executive Director Paul Palagyi.

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Burko's introduction to Mother Nature came through his parents at an early age as fishing, boating and trips to the family's cabin were frequent activities.

A strong interest in the outdoors ensued and prompted him to pursue a degree in natural resources law enforcement from Hocking College in Nelsonville.

During his time with the Metroparks, the Perry Township resident also served as president of the Lake County Association of Chiefs of Police and vice-president of the National Park Law Enforcement Association.

He oversees a staff of 22.

"The staff is really committed and most are drawn to the business through the love of natural resources as I am, and I think that's what makes us successful," he said.

Crime has decreased in the last seven years of his tenure.

Methods used to keep violations at a minimum include quick and consistent attention to matters as they arise.

"If you don't curb it or correct it, it can go on," he said.

During a recent interview, Burko talked about memorable situations during his time keeping watch over more than 8,000 acres comprising the Metroparks.

President George W. Bush's campaign stop at Lake Farmpark in 2004 is one of them. About 100 local law enforcement officers assisted with the high security visit. The chief said he breathed a huge sigh of relief when the event was over, knowing that it had taken place without a hitch.

Another notable memory concerned a woman sentenced by a local judge to spend a night outdoors as punishment for dumping 41 cats in the Metroparks. The ranger's role was to facilitate the sentence at an area park.

"I can't speak to the offense but it broadly communicated the message," Burko said. "It served the purpose. To that end I think it was positive."

Many people are often surprised by the fact that park rangers possess the same law enforcement authority as police officers.

"I think they view us as an all-around visitor/assistance person. We're commonly approached to provide information," he said. "I've consistently tried to have the officers be professional and compassionate. Too often we know the rules but the visitors don't. It takes a lot of compassion to meet safety and security mandates but still gain public support. It's critical in our business."

Burko said future challenges for rangers include keeping abreast of current modes of communication.

As an example, he noted that when he first started calls reporting dogs off leashes were rarely received. Now, they're quite common.

"With cell phones people are apt to call. They keep us busier and more informed," he said. "The challenge ahead revolves a lot around technology ... you have to be dialed in with the manner (people) are communicating."

Palagyi said Burko's expertise and friendship have been appreciated.

"Mike has just been a rock," he said. "He's been a cornerstone for this foundation, providing safe and clean parks, which has always been a priority ... he's a great personification of what a (ranger) should be."

Burko's future plans include spending more time with his family including two boys, ages 12 and 14, and his wife, Barb, the interim chief of Outdoor Education for Cleveland Metroparks who also is retiring.

He noted that his children became familiar with the world of nature from early on and that it would be difficult to prevent such an atmosphere with both parents involved in a related profession.

"They were both identifying amphibians at an early age," Burko said.

Along with more family time, he's considering future work with the environment. "I'd love to be able to continue doing something in this business," he said.